Margaret MacMillan

Over the years, historians have tried to discern grand patterns, perhaps one grand pattern, that explain everything.

p.15

If history is the judge to which we appeal, then it can also find against us. It can highlight our mistakes by reminding us of those who, at other times, faced similar problems but who made different, perhaps better decisions.

p.22

Dictators, perhaps because they know their own lies so well, have usually realised the power of history. Consequently, they have tried to re-write, deny, or destroy the past.

p.22

Histories that that show past injustices or crimes can be used to argue for redress in the present.

p.55

Lost golden ages can be very effective tools for motivating people in the present.

p.61

Nationalism brought Germany and Italy into being, destroyed Austrio-Hungary, and , more recently, broke apart Yugoslavia. People have suffered and died, and have harmed and killed others, for their 'nation'.

p.82

We have to be careful to cast our gaze as widely as possible. If we only look for the lessons that reinforce decisions we have already made, we will run into trouble.

p.154

History does not produce definitive answers for all time. It is a process.